Now, then (to draw towards a close of this discourse), if
these things be so, “what manner of men ought we to be, in all manner of
holy conversation?” Even “our God is a consuming fire.” What communion is
there between light and darkness? Shall sin and lust dwell in those
thoughts which receive in and carry out love from and unto the Father?
Holiness becometh his presence for ever. An unclean spirit cannot draw
nigh unto him; — an unholy heart can make no abode with him. A lewd person
will not desire to hold fellowship with a sober man; and will a man of vain
and foolish imaginations hold communion and dwell with the most holy God?
There is not any consideration of this love but is a powerful motive unto
holiness, and leads thereunto. Ephraim says, “What have I to do any more
with idols?” when in God he finds salvation. Communion with the Father is
wholly inconsistent with loose walking. “If we say that we have fellowship
with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth,” 1 John i. 6. “He that saith, I know
him” (I have communion with him), “and keepeth not his commandments, is a
liar, and the truth is not in him,” chap. ii.
4. The most specious and glorious pretence made to an
acquaintance with the Father, without holiness and obedience to his
commandments, serves only to prove the pretenders to be liars. The love of
the world and of the Father dwell not together.